Mr RIOLI - 1997-05-01
Why has his administration slashed into the lifestyle and enjoyment of Territorians by cutting 25% out of sport and recreation programs? That includes: $2m from sports sponsorship, leaving Territory sports groups drastically short of funds; $0.25m from the sports participation program, reducing Territorians' opportunity to be involved in sport; and $0.25m from the Institute of Sport, cutting into programs that produce future Olympians. Why has the minister singled out the Territory's sportsmen and women to bear the brunt of these massive cuts? Can he confirm that he is the only sports minister to cop a cut in sport and recreation budgets?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there is an old saying that fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Here is a classic example of a classic fool. If the honourable member had bothered to wait until the budget debate this afternoon, he would have found that there has not been a cut in sport and recreation funding, particularly in the areas he referred to. Indeed, there has been an increase.
What the member is bewailing is obviously the fact that - heaven forbid - some additional funds came through from things like Sportslotto during 1996-97 and, as a consequence, we took the opportunity to provide additional funding, as one- off payments, to sports facilities during 1996-97 which significantly inflated the 1996-97 figures. He says that funding has been cut. If he listens carefully this afternoon and does not make even more of a fool of himself, he will hear that the Institute of Sport's ongoing programs have been increased. The global reduction is a consequence of the one-off funding provided to establish the institute in 1996-97. The sport and recreation community of the Northern Territory will be doing better in 1997-98 than it did in 1996- 97.
The member for Arafura is a sportsperson for whom I have a great deal of respect. He has a very proud history in sports. However, in economics and politics he is demonstrating gross incompetence.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, there is an old saying that fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Here is a classic example of a classic fool. If the honourable member had bothered to wait until the budget debate this afternoon, he would have found that there has not been a cut in sport and recreation funding, particularly in the areas he referred to. Indeed, there has been an increase.
What the member is bewailing is obviously the fact that - heaven forbid - some additional funds came through from things like Sportslotto during 1996-97 and, as a consequence, we took the opportunity to provide additional funding, as one- off payments, to sports facilities during 1996-97 which significantly inflated the 1996-97 figures. He says that funding has been cut. If he listens carefully this afternoon and does not make even more of a fool of himself, he will hear that the Institute of Sport's ongoing programs have been increased. The global reduction is a consequence of the one-off funding provided to establish the institute in 1996-97. The sport and recreation community of the Northern Territory will be doing better in 1997-98 than it did in 1996- 97.
The member for Arafura is a sportsperson for whom I have a great deal of respect. He has a very proud history in sports. However, in economics and politics he is demonstrating gross incompetence.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016